Mass Spectrometry & Metabolomics Research Associate

Job Description

Job Description Summary:

Contribute to the daily operations of the ARC Metabolomics Full Service lab by performing sample preparation, mass spectrometry data acquisition, and data analysis. Operate and maintain LC-MS/MS instrumentation. Assist with laboratory operations, including hazardous waste management and laboratory safety compliance.

Essential Job Duties:

• Perform biological sample preparation for metabolomics analyses by following established standard operating procedures (SOPs), including sample homogenization, weighing, liquid-liquid extraction, preparation of quality control samples, and operation of automated sample preparation systems.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS instrumentation by preparing mobile phases and buffers, cleaning ion source components, performing routine instrument tuning and maintenance, acquiring analytical data, and monitoring instrument performance to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and records by tracking samples from receipt through preparation, data acquisition, processing, and report delivery; maintaining freezer inventories; and documenting instrument performance and laboratory activities to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
• Support laboratory operations by maintaining laboratory equipment, ordering consumables and chemicals, managing hazardous and biohazardous waste, and ensuring compliance with institutional laboratory safety policies.
• Communicate with investigators and clients by providing instruction in laboratory procedures and safe work practices, coordinating sample receipt and return, resolving sample labeling and identification questions, and clarifying submission information to ensure accurate sample processing and efficient core laboratory operations.

• Manage quality control of metabolomics mass spectrometry data acquisition by reviewing instrument performance metrics, evaluating quality control samples, identifying analytical issues, documenting findings, and implementing corrective actions to ensure accurate, reproducible, and high-quality data.

Supervision:

• N/A

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Background Check.
• Applicant must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology or a closely related scientific field plus at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, or a recent Masters degree.
• Demonstrated experience with operating mass spectrometry instrumentation and preparing samples for mass spectrometry analyses.
• Demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain accurate laboratory records, and work safely in a laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting LC-MS/MS instrumentation, preferably LC-QTOF.
• Experience preparing biological samples for LC-MS/MS analysis, including liquid-liquid extraction and quality control sample preparation.
• Experience with untargeted metabolomics data processing and quality assessment using software such as mzMine or similar platforms.
• Experience working in a shared instrumentation facility, research core laboratory, or other multi-user research environment.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, hazardous and biohazardous waste management, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with colleagues, investigators and customers.

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.